Mary Kathryn Murray

She was born on November 4, 1934 in English Township, Lucas County, Iowa to Delman T. and Lavone Illa Pierschbacher.

Mary Kathryn attended Chariton High School and graduated in the class of 1953. She began her career in retail becoming a manager of a Magic Market. She retired from Wal-Mart to help her son-in-law in his chiropractic office.

Mary Kathryn married David Howard Pence on August 27, 1953 and together they had four children. She later married Fay H. "Joe" Murray on October 27, 1975.

Mary Kathryn was a proud member of P.E.O. and recently celebrated her 50th anniversary with the organization.

She had a passion for helping others and was a die hard St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. She had a green thumb and loved gardening. She attended the Villa Hills Baptist Church and was a devote follower of Christ.

Mary Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband, Fay H. "Joe" Murray; her parents, Delman T. and Lavone, nee May, Pierschbacher; her siblings Lloyd Pierschbacher, Charles Pierschbacher and Leona, nee Pierschbacher, Miller; her grandson, Kristopher John Riesenberger, and her son-in-law, Robert L. Riesenberger.

Mary Kathryn is survived by her sister Shirley, nee Pierschbacher, Alvarado; her children, Larry (Phyllis) Pence, Sandra (John) Toothaker, Richard (Felina) Pence, Karen (Tony Amoroso) Riesenberger; along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, plus extended family and friends.

Visitation will take place at Valhalla-Gaerdner-Holten Funeral Home (located at 3412 Frank Scott Pkwy West, Belleville, IL 62223) on Saturday, April 10, 2021 from 9 AM - 10 AM, followed by a memorial service at 10 AM officiated by Pastor Ray Brewer. In lieu of flowers, Mary Kathryn's family kindly asks that you make a memorial donation to the American Cancer Society.

The family would also like to personally thank Vitas Healthcare for the excellent service of their hospice care team and Margaret Riesenberger for her gracious generosity.